Dr. John Kaag: Be Not Afraid: How Philosophy and William James Saved My Life

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”

Philosopher William James (brother of the novelist Henry James) seems way ahead of his time with this insight. 

Our guest this week is author and philosopher John Kaag. John credits William James with helping him through several existential crises, including bouts of despair as a young man, and two divorces. 

Andrew and John discuss:

⭐️The pressing choice in modern life of where to put our attention

⭐️How philosophy helps parents

⭐️The ways daily habits and routines entrap us

⭐️The problem of empathy and the challenge of honouring the inner lives of others.

 

Subscriber Content This Week

If you’re a subscriber to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Patreon), this week you’ll be hearing:

⭐️When is it justified to believe?

⭐️3 things John Kaag knows to be true.

⭐️AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

 

Follow Up

Read Andrew’s new Substack newsletter The Meaningful Life, and join the community there. 

Buy John Kaag’s new book Be Not Afraid of Life: In the Words of William James

Buy John Kaag’s other books:

• American Philosophy: A Love Story
• Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life
•  Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are

Follow John Kaag on Twitter @JohnKaag 

Read Andrew’s book Wake Up and Change Your Life: How to Survive a Crisis and be Stronger, Wiser and Happier

You might also enjoy Andrew’s interview with Andy West on Inherited Guilt: How Philosophy Helped Me Heal 

Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50. 

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall